by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 9:40 AM ET, Fri October 31, 2025
Air Canada and CAE have announced that applications for the 2026 Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship will open on November 1, 2025.
The scholarship, named in honour of Air Canada’s first female pilot, supports Canadian women pursuing careers as commercial pilots or aircraft maintenance engineers.
Captain Judy Cameron scholarship (Photo Credit: Air Canada)Up to eight women will receive funding toward their training. Four of those studying to become commercial pilots will also join CAE’s Women in Flight program as ambassadors.
“With 60,000 new commercial pilots needed in North America by 2034, there’s never been a more exciting time to inspire young women to take flight,” added Marie-Christine Cloutier, CAE’s VP of Performance, Strategy and Marketing
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The scholarship was created in 2019 to honour Cameron’s pioneering career and encourage more women to enter non-traditional aviation roles. Initially, four scholarships were awarded each year; since 2023, Air Canada and CAE have partnered to double that number to eight.
The scholarships are awarded in conjunction with the Northern Lights Aero Foundation at its annual Northern Lights Aero Foundation Awards Gala, held in Toronto.
Autumn, a young aspiring pilot, says her hero, retired Air Canada Capt. Judy Cameron, makes a point to check in on her progress. (Photo Credit: Natasha Lair-McKenty)
“As applications open for the seventh year of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarships, it is exciting to see the progress of past recipients,” said Judy Cameron, retired Boeing 777 Captain at Air Canada and Director of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation.
“From a Captain and First Officer at Jazz Aviation (Air Canada Express), to air ambulance, corporate, and charter pilots, as well as First Officers with major airlines, these women are turning their aviation dreams into reality, thanks to the support of Air Canada and CAE.
“Meeting the newest scholarship recipients at the Northern Lights Gala earlier this month was inspiring. Each of them is not only excelling in their training but also giving back. They are mentoring, volunteering, and encouraging other women to follow their own paths in aviation. I look forward to celebrating their future accomplishments.”
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Murray Strom, SVP of Flight Operations and Maintenance at Air Canada, said the airline is proud to continue supporting the initiative.
Porter Airlines female pilots, with young aspiring pilot, at annual 'Girls Can Fly' event (Photo Credit: TravelPulse Canada/Natasha Lair-McKenty)“The Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship is a vital part of the work being done to develop and support the next generation of aviation professionals. We look forward to seeing their continued progression in this exciting profession,” he said.
Applications for the 2026 Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship open November 1, 2025 here.
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